BREWERIES OF THE WEST
- The WEST Journal
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Right across Western Sydney a ground swell of craft beer makers is emerging. Each with their own unique flavour and take on this beloved drink. Penrith is lovingly dubbed the Marrickville of the West, Wollongong is a hotspot for craft beer makers and the Southern Highlands, and the Central Coast have their own styles, flavours and brands made local by locals
WEST wants to take you on a journey of just some of the breweries you can discover, and more importantly visit, in and around Western Sydney. The list is by no means exhaustive, but the list is definitely worth adding to your bucket list of things to do. What are you doing this weekend? Hopefully it’s getting out and about to check out these great breweries, beers and beer makers.
350 ANNANGROVE ROAD, ROUSE HILL
The Australian Hotel & Brewery is a classic modern pub, a cornerstone of the Rouse Hill community, and, the home of ESKER Beer.
Established with a passion for creating craft brewing, their on-site brewery is the heart of the venue, producing a range of award-winning beers that reflect the flavours of Australia. It’s become a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike.
ESKER Beer believe that all roads will eventually lead you home and is inspired by their own home in the Hills Shire of Sydney. They craft beers to be enjoyed on that very journey. The Home of Esker is at the Australian Brewery, in Rouse Hill, and has been the only brewery in the Hills Shire for the last 12 years.
In addition to their signature craft beers, the vibe is super family-friendly with a bistro, a lively sports bar, and spacious outdoor areas, all designed to provide a very welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for a meal, a drink, or a special event, this crew pride itself on creating memorable experiences for every guest.
The idea behind Esker is simple. Created around the notion of life's journey being a path. The path that takes you on winding adventures, be it around the world, or simply around Sydney. You could be chasing a career, travelling the far reaches of the earth, or just going for a bushwalk in Bidjigal Reserve nearby.
Well worth a visit and a super fun atmosphere.
1/19 CAVENDISH ST, MITTAGONG
At Eden Brewery, they are bringing beer back to its roots—fresh, local, and made for the people who drink it.
Their brewery is more than a place to grab a pint; it’s a space to connect, share stories, and enjoy quality beer in fine company. The brewers are dedicated craftsmen, putting quality first into every batch. By sourcing the finest local ingredients and blending old-world traditions with modern techniques, they create exceptional beer that speak for itself. Whether you're a connoisseur or just love a great brew, Eden Brewery is where good beer meets great community.
Eden Brewery is an uncomplicated and relaxed space where they encourage people to get back to basics, talk, share life and bond over a good beer. With every decision they make while brewing they always put the beer quality first, with no exceptions. They source the finest quality ingredients as close to the brewery as possible and employ state of the art brewing techniques as well and old world traditions, to make the perfect pint.
It's a local favourite, a go to spot to meet up and always has a relaxed vibe. Check out the food truck and live music experiences too.
In 2019, DJ and Harriet McCready embarked on opening Mountain Culture, the first brewpub in the heart of the Blue Mountains, with a plan to brew really good beer for locals and tourists to enjoy after adventuring in the area.
Originally from North Carolina, DJ first hit the brewing scene in a very familiar setting - the living room. There, a competition between him and his flat mate as to who could brew the better homebrew got so heated, DJ started mopping the floors at a local brewery in order to have easy access to their head brewer who he could pester for tips and tricks.
Two years later, he wound up as their head brewer but, more importantly, took the title of best home brewer (only if you ask him, that is.) After honing his craft there and at renowned US craft brewery, Oskar Blues, he moved to Sydney as the founding head brewer of Modus Operandi in the Northern Beaches. It was during this time he met his wife and co-founder of Mountain Culture, Harriet.
Today, Mountain Culture holds its own and is much loved right across Sydney and Western Sydney.
23-25 Parke St, Katoomba
The OG: Katoomba Brewpub is housed in a restored 1900s heritage-listed building that has lived many lives. It is now home to their award-winning beers and is one of the best spots to come kick back and relax with a fresh cold beer and tasty burger on their deck for lunch or dinner after a day of adventure.
The Blue Mountains dining scene, especially in Katoomba, is renowned for its innovation, friendly service and diversity, with establishments like ours leading the way in utilising local produce to create unique and memorable dining experiences.
In 2023, our Katoomba Brewpub was voted Australia’s best brewery venue in New South Wales.
158 Regent St, Redfern NSW 2016
Their new home in Sydney is situated in the lively neighbourhood of Redfern with a "best craft beer in Sydney" meets "unpretentious cocktail bar" vibe is just stumbling distance to both the Waterloo Metro Station and Redfern Train Station. Some might say it’s dangerously convenient. And they’d be right.
Compared to their other spots in Emu Plains and Katoomba, this place is all about upping the food game while still keeping beer at the heart of everything they do. Yes, beer is the star, but they’re equally focused on offering a wider selection of premium drinks and a more elevated dining experience. Whether you’re popping in for a quick beer or here to settle in with a few cocktails and a meal to share, this place has something for everyone.
Mountain Cultures newest venue is ready to welcome you with open arms, a cold beer in hand, and some killer tunes in the background. Plus, you can grab takeaway beers and Mountain Culture merch to take the party with you
35 David Rd, Emu Plains
The Emu Plains Factory & Taproom is nestled at the foothills of the Blue Mountains and houses their state-of-the-art brewhouse. The Marrickville of the West as it has been dubbed, this venue produces the bulk of their award-winning beers that you’ll find in pubs and bottle shops right Australia wide. The distinctive branding, bold bright colours and cool graphics are easy to spot.
Come enjoy a craft beer straight from the source, where we have 20 rotating taps of really good beer, whilst relaxing in our beer garden or overlooking the cellar from the bar. Among the offerings, you'll find the core range of beers available, including favourites like our Status Quo Pale Ale and Aussie Pale Lager, ensuring there's something for everyone. Great Beer, great atmosphere and cool vibes all round.
4/137 COREEN AVE, PENRITH
Born and brewed in Penrith, Rusty Penny Brewery & Smokehouse is all about great beer, great food, and even better times. What started as two best mates with a love for brewing has grown into a local favourite, now the go-to spot for quality small-batch craft beer and authentic BBQ.
From crisp, refreshing lagers to hop-forward IPAs, there’s something for every beer lover, perfectly paired with an epic menu from Rusty’s Barbeque - featuring a range of mouthwatering smoked meats, stacked burgers and more.
Whether you’re visiting for a cold one, a feast with mates, or just good vibes, swing past Wednesday to Sunday and experience the best of craft beer and BBQ. The atmosphere is electric, the crew are super friendly and everyone is there for a good time. Don’t miss it.
UNIT 2 / 4A HOLLYLEA ROAD LEUMEAH
The Beer Shed in Campbelltown isn’t just a microbrewery—it’s one of Sydney’s premier live music venues!
With a passion for great beer and even better tunes, The Beer Shed has built a reputation for hosting top-tier artists in an electric atmosphere. Whether it’s country, rock, or something in between, every night is a show to remember. Grab a craft brew, soak up the vibes, and experience live music like never before. If you haven’t been to The Beer Shed yet, you’re missing out on one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets!
The Beer Shed Brewing Co, founded in 2007, was among the pioneering small breweries in Sydney, specializing in crafting small-batch artisanal beers. Over the past 15 years, it has evolved into a premier live entertainment hub in Sydney South-West, showcasing live music concerts featuring top names in Australian country and rock music.!
In addition to our acclaimed live music concerts, The Beer Shed Brewing Co boasts what many consider to be the premier stand-up comedy venue in Western Sydney, where their sell-out shows have been a hit for the past two years. Additionally, they proudly host bi-annual sold-out professional wrestling shows, further solidifying their reputation as a top-notch entertainment destination.
When live events are not on, The Beer Shed Brewing Co offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a quiet drink with friends or family. They welcome both kids and dogs during normal trading hours, and on most weekends, they have food trucks conveniently stationed at their doorstep.
What a vibe, what an experience and the beer is great. Check this hidden gem out.
How lucky are we to have so much talent, so many great options and an emerging culture of craft beer, great food and great vibes. Fill up your weekend exploring these local gems and take yourself on a tour of some of our best little (big) breweries in the West.
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